Category: Features

Infectious diseases, including flu and pneumonia, remain a big killer in older age-groups, in spite of modern antibiotics. Even if a disease isn’t normally fatal, like shingles, it can still cause significant pain for as long as a year.

In 20th Century Women, Annette Bening plays Dorothea, a single mum in Seventies Santa Barbara. It’s a time of cultural revolution and rebellion, and Dorothea’s doing her best to embrace the change that’s happening – both in the wider world and at home, as her teenage son grows up.

The term ‘low FODMAP diet’ may leave you scratching your head – but not for much longer, if Emma Hatcher has anything to do with it. FODMAPs – fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols – are types of short-chain carbohydrates that can be tricky to digest, and they can wreak havoc for some people with… Continue reading FODMAP diet – 'It's been a life-changer'

Having just returned from a late honeymoon in the Maldives, after completing a gruelling schedule which included stand-up tours in the UK and Australia, a West End panto and his own wedding, Julian Clary is hoping for a quieter year. “When you’re really tired and can barely speak to each other, the Maldives is the… Continue reading More Bold moves from Julian Clary

Parents embarrassing their kids is as much a part of parenting as changing nappies or telling them off. But while the fact that mums and dads embarrass their children – and quite possibly enjoy it – hasn’t changed, it seems they’re doing it in a much more modern way.

The average person would like six hugs a day, apparently – though most have to settle for two – and who could blame them? We all love a good hug (the more squeezy and bear-like the better), and while chances are we all have at least one or two friends or relatives who are a… Continue reading Catch the cuddle bug – hugging health benefits

With less than a week to go until the most romantic day of the year, if you haven’t already picked out a present for your special someone you’d better get your skates on… Help is at hand, however, as the beauty departments have been flooded with perfectly-timed perfume launches and neatly packaged sets ready to… Continue reading Beautiful buys to make your Valentine’s Day

More than half a million women in Ireland and the UK will turn 50 this year – including TV favourite-turned-fitness-fanatic Davina McCall, plus Kate Garraway and Ulrika Jonsson. But far from feeling past their heyday, 82% of women are winding up, not down, as they approach this landmark birthday, according to a new survey by… Continue reading Feel fab at 50 and beyond

Families are constantly bombarded with messages about the importance of healthy eating and maintaining an active lifestyle, so it’s not surprising that most young people know what they should be doing to stay healthy. However, research suggests that knowing what food is good for them and how much exercise to take doesn’t necessarily mean young… Continue reading Peacock's golden rules for healthy kids

Nick Knowles is aware he’s not what many would picture when the word ‘vegan’ comes to mind. “You tend to think that most vegans are petite, small, slim people, and I’m not,” states the 54-year-old TV presenter, best known for his 18 years fronting BBC One home-improvement stalwart DIY SOS. “I’m a 46-inch chest, 6ft… Continue reading Vegan Nick Knowles – more carrot, less steak